Oilers coach sends tough message to roster as veteran forward sees demotion
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers will be back in preseason action tonight, and Coach Knoblauch will be viewing the game as open tryouts.
The Oilers announced their roster and lineup for last night's game against the Winnipeg Jets at practice. It was a rookie-heavy lineup with a few NHLers, but interesting to see one player falling in the lineup.
Oilers coach Knoblauch sends message that open tryouts are on at training camp
Speaking to the media, Coach Knoblauch didn't shy away from saying some jobs are at risk in training camp. The Oilers bench boss is looking to see if any young players can prove themselves ready to take a spot away from a veteran.
If there's certain players that are hungry and are performing really well and can take other guys spots, then that's what we're looking for.
It's open tryouts, that's what it is.
- Coach Kris Knoblauch
It's open tryouts, that's what it is.
- Coach Kris Knoblauch
The Oilers have a number of young forwards who are pushing to prove themselves ready for the NHL, but are behind some established players.
However, one player in Mattias Janmark is falling in the lineup.
Janmark played on the 3rd line, behind rookies like Matt Savoie and Ike Howard. The Finnish veteran is on the same line as Noah Philp and Quinn Hutson, two players who may be gunning to take his spot on the roster.
The Oilers have also reportedly begun using Janmark less in penalty killing drills at practice.
It appears that Coach Knoblauch's message of open tryouts could be true, with a focus on which young forward could take the 4th line job.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 27 | 599 ANSWERS Oilers coach sends tough message to roster as veteran forward sees demotion Do you think Janmark will make the Oilers roster on opening night? | ||
| Yes | 308 | 51.4 % |
| No | 291 | 48.6 % |
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